Go Back

Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf

Take classic comfort food to the next level with this easy and delicious Italian meatloaf, featuring a gooey center stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and marinara. It's a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Equipment

  • Big Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 0.5 lb ground Italian sausage mild or hot
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bread crumbs plain or Italian seasoned
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh is best
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

For the Filling

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup spinach chopped, optional, make sure it's well-drained
  • 0.25 cup marinara sauce

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley.
  • Step 3: Pour in the milk and season generously with salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together until it's just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangular loaf, roughly 9x12 inches and about 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
  • Step 5: Down the center of the loaf, lengthwise, create a well or trough (do not go all the way through). Fill this well with the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach (if using), and 1/4 cup marinara sauce.
  • Step 6: Carefully fold the meat mixture from one side over the filling, then fold the other side over to meet it. Pinch and seal the edges along the sides and ends. Reshape into an even loaf.
  • Step 7: Spread the remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  • Step 8: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
  • Step 9: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Step 10: Slice and serve, optionally with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

Tips include: Don't overmix, shape gently, use a meat thermometer (target 160°F / 71°C), and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Can be made gluten-free with GF bread crumbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave or 300°F oven with sauce/foil.
Keyword Italian, Marinara, Meatloaf, Mozzarella, Stuffed Meatloaf